Best Times to Go to Walt Disney World & Disneyland

When’s the sweet spot for fewer crowds, lower prices, and great weather? We’ve got the scoop!

Planning a Disney trip is a bit like aiming at a moving target—but if you know when to go, you can hit the Disney jackpot with shorter lines, better weather, and maybe even a deal or two. ✨

🏰 Walt Disney World: Best Times to Visit

The winning combo? Lower crowds + pleasant weather. Here are our favorites:

🌸 Mid-January to mid-February

The holiday crowds are gone, the weather is cool (but not freezing), and many kids are back in school. Bonus: Festival of the Arts is on at EPCOT!

🌼 Early May

The spring break wave has passed, and summer heat hasn’t kicked in yet. Great weather and decent crowd levels = solid win.

🍂 Late August to mid-September

Yes, it’s hot—but crowds are low, and you’ll find great availability for dining and resorts. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off, too!

🎄Weekdays in early December

Experience all the holiday magic without the mega holiday crowds. The decorations are stunning, and the vibe is peak Disney cheer!

🚫 WDW Times to Avoid

• Christmas week & New Year’s – The parks reach capacity. Enough said.
• Spring Break (mid-March to early April) – Wall-to-wall people.
• Fourth of July week – Hot, crowded, and extra hot.

🎢 Disneyland: Best Times to Visit

Disneyland is more “locals first,” so weekends and holidays are always busier. Here’s when you’ll get the most out of your day:

🧁 Mid-January through February

Cooler temps, post-holiday lull, and fewer locals. A great time to tackle both parks in fewer days.

🌷Late April to early May

Before school gets out and after spring break rush = sweet spot! Expect mild weather and beautiful park flowers.

🎃Mid-September through mid-November

Fall décor, Halloween parties, and typically lower weekday crowds make this a festive and fun time to go.

🎁 Early December weekdays

Holiday lights, snacks, and parades—with fewer lines. This is Disneyland at its most magical (and manageable).

🚫 DLR Times to Avoid

• Weekends year-round – Locals love their parks and will fill them fast.
• Spring Break & Summer – Higher heat and higher wait times.
• The week of Thanksgiving and Christmas – You’ll see peak pricing and people.

✨ Bonus Tip

• Mid-week is always better than weekends (especially at Disneyland).
• Watch for runDisney events or school holidays, which can drive crowd levels up.
• Use crowd calendars! Sites like Touring Plans and Undercover Tourist are great for peeking ahead.

🎯 Wrap-Up

When you go can make or break your Disney experience—plan it smart, and you’ll enjoy cooler temps, lower crowds, and more time on your favorite attractions. 🏰

Coming up next: Want to know what to pack for your perfectly timed trip? Stay tuned for our favorite Disney packing tips!